Venice

Venice is one of the most unique places I have ever visited. Located in the Venetian Lagoon, Venice is a group of about 118 small islands all separated by canals and bridges. Venice is truly renowned for its beauty. 
 

In Venice, people use water taxis and boats instead of cars including the police. Public transportation is provided by waterbuses, water taxis, and many tourists explore the canals by gondola. As one can imagine I spent a great deal of time in Venice walking along narrow streets over bridges, relaxing in a gondola and also riding in a water taxi. 

Since Venice is so unique it would be a fun place to introduce students to. Depending on the grade level younger elementary school children could learn about the different transportation methods Venice has and how they compare to transportation all over the world.  

One of my favorite places I visited was Murano, a series of islands linked by bridges in the Venetian Lagoon. Murano is known around the world for its glassmakers. In 1291, all the glassmakers in Venice were forced to move to Murano due to risks of fires. Although decline set in, glassmaking is still the island’s main industry. While on the island we were able to watch a glass blowing demonstration. The glass forming technique involves inflating molten glass into a bubble, with the aid of a blowpipe. The glassblower, the individual who blows glass, was able to make a jug and horse in a matter of ten minutes. It was amazing to see the ease it took him to make such beautiful creations.

I was also able to visit Burano, another island in the Venetian Lagoon. Burano is well known for its lacework and brightly colored homes. The houses are painted in bright colors. It was amazing to see such unique homes.